Bowie — Old Montreal’s Hidden Spot for Authentic Asian Food
Why Bowie Feels Like the Secret You Want to Share
You find Bowie by accident, usually.
A quiet corner on Sainte-Hélène Street tucked behind a door that doesn’t ask for attention. Inside, everything changes; the city noise fades, and suddenly, you’re somewhere else. The light turns warmer, the air hums softly, and the scent of seared soy, sesame, and truffle pulls you in like a secret you’re not supposed to know.
Bowie isn’t loud about itself. It doesn’t need to be. It’s the kind of place that feels both intimate and untouchable; a speakeasy wrapped in deep burgundy, candlelight, and whispers. Every detail feels intentional: the flicker of gold reflections, the low jazz pulse, the clink of crystal glasses. You sit down and know you’re in for something more than dinner.
In Old Montreal, a neighborhood where cobblestone streets meet modern taste, Bowie makes a statement. It’s where authentic Asian food meets the cadence of late-night culture. The chefs don’t chase trends; they chase depth. It’s what happens when classic Asian flavors are given room to breathe and evolve; when ginger, soy, and spice find their match in a city built for pleasure.
Menu Highlights & Signature Dishes
At Bowie, the menu doesn’t shout. It whispers, tempts, and lingers.
Every dish feels like an invitation, a play between balance and contrast. Crisp against soft, smoky against clean. The team behind Bowie knows exactly how to let ingredients shine without overcomplicating what makes them beautiful.
If you’re exploring authentic Asian food for the first time or chasing something familiar done differently, here’s what to expect.
Appetizer Selections
Each small plate is designed for sharing, or not sharing at all, depending on how fast you fall in love.
Mushroom Dumplings – Truffle Shoyu
Delicate, silky parcels filled with earthy mushrooms and brushed with truffle-infused soy. They taste like comfort wrapped in elegance, umami in every bite.Wagyu Beef Dumplings – Chili Garlic
A soft kick of heat meets melt-in-your-mouth wagyu. The chili garlic sauce isn’t aggressive; it’s a slow burn that lingers just long enough to make you crave the next piece.Miso Cod – Bib Lettuce | Radish
A light, fresh bite. The cod is buttery and glazed in sweet-salty miso, tucked into crisp lettuce like a refined Asian taco. The crunch of radish balances everything.Tuna Tataki – Shiro Dashi | Yuzu Jam
Thin slices of seared tuna, perfectly chilled, dressed in citrus and dashi. It’s bright, slightly sweet, and quietly addictive.Grilled Short Rib – Chinese BBQ Sauce
The kind of dish that makes conversation stop mid-sentence. Tender beef, caramelized edges, sticky glaze that coats your fingers, you’ll want to savor it slowly.
Sides That Steal the Scene
Sides at Bowie aren’t an afterthought. They carry the same elegance and attention as the main dishes, and they might just steal the spotlight.
Truffle Fries – Parsley | Parmesan Cheese
Crisp, golden, and perfumed with truffle. Each fry catches a dusting of cheese that melts just slightly from the heat. Impossible to resist.Broccolis – Mustard Greens | Rice Chips | Sunflower
A surprising balance of crunch and tang. The greens keep it light while the rice chips add that irresistible texture you didn’t know you needed.Crispy Calamari – Salt & Pepper
A nod to classic Asian comfort. Each ring is perfectly fried, seasoned with just enough salt and pepper to keep you reaching back again and again.
Caviar Service
Bowie’s caviar service is where things slow down and sharpen, for those nights when indulgence is the mood.
Each presentation comes with fresh blini and sour cream, served with quiet confidence; no theatrics, just pure luxury.
30 g Osetra
Smooth, briny pearls with notes of the sea and butter.50 g Osetra
The deeper, silkier experience; best paired with chilled champagne.
Or, if you’re feeling playful, try the Chicken Nuggets & Caviar, featuring 10 g Osetra balanced on a golden, crunchy nugget. It’s tongue-in-cheek luxury; proof that Bowie doesn’t take itself too seriously, even when serving the finest ingredients in the room.
Sweets That End the Night Right
Dessert at Bowie feels less like a formality and more like a continuation of the evening: something to enjoy slowly, between conversation and one last sip.
Limoncello Tiramisu – Limoncello | Lady Fingers | Cacao
A bright, citrus twist on a classic. The lemon cuts through the richness that leaves a clean, sweet finish that lingers.Sundae – Brownie Hazelnut
Warm meets cold. Fudgy brownie pieces swimming in soft ice cream, finished with toasted hazelnuts that give it crunch and depth.Candy Bowl – Kiss the Rainbow
A nostalgic wink. Think glossy colors, chewy sweetness, and a throwback to childhood in a space that’s anything but childish.
Dining Experience & Ambiance
When you walk into Bowie, time bends a little. The lighting is low, and the music is gentle but intentional. You'll know that every flash is carefully chosen to suit the space. Burgundy walls are there to absorb sound, so conversations stay hushed and private. The air feels perfumed with soy glaze and smoke from the grill. You can almost taste the energy before the food arrives.
This isn’t the kind of restaurant you rush through, but the kind you sink into.
Interior & Design Influences
Bowie takes cues from 80s members’ clubs — places where people went to disappear for a few hours, surrounded by red velvet, glass reflections, and the hum of good company. The design blends contemporary maximalism with vintage indulgence. Think soft seating, dim light bouncing off brass accents, bold colors, and tables spaced just right for intimacy.
Every surface has texture: leather, wood, glass, and the palette leans into deep maroons and golds. It’s sensual without trying too hard, elegant without pretense.
You don’t just eat here. You belong here, if only for a night.
Service Style
Service at Bowie is quiet confidence. Staff glide through the space with calm precision, so everything feels effortless. Nothing feels rushed; everything happens exactly when it should.
You’ll notice how they pour wine, always with steady hands, a small smile, and a moment of silence before conversation continues. It’s subtle, but it makes a difference.
They remember faces, too. The second visit feels like being welcomed back into the fold; part of the rhythm, not just a guest.
Booking, Hours & Private Events
Operating Hours
Bowie doesn’t try to be an all-day spot; it’s built for the night.
Wednesday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday to Saturday: 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Each evening has its own pace. Early hours are perfect for quiet dinners; later ones turn more social; you’ll notice the hum grows and the night stretches longer than you planned.
Reservations
Entry isn’t casual, and that’s part of the charm.
Reservations are essential and can be made through our website or by calling 514.360.9290.
Guests must be 25 or older, and the dress code leans toward tasteful and sophisticated. No streetwear, no sneakers; this is a space that respects style.
There’s also no photography or videography allowed inside. It’s a rare kind of privacy, one that lets the moment stay real, not curated for a screen.
Hosting Private Events & Group Bookings
For intimate dinners, birthdays that deserve more than candles, or business gatherings that call for privacy, Bowie offers exclusive group bookings.
The team can curate custom menus and drink pairings, depending on the evening’s flow and theme. The setting: moody, elegant, designed to impress without saying too much, makes it ideal for events where atmosphere matters as much as the meal.
To inquire, reach out to reservations@lebowie.com or fill out our Reservation Request Form and let us build something tailored around your vision.
FAQ — Dining at Bowie Asian Edition
Do you offer vegetarian or vegan Asian options?
Yes, dishes like the Mushroom Dumplings, Spicy Tofu, and Crushed Cucumber Salad offer flavorful, plant-forward choices that don’t compromise depth or taste.Is there a lunch version of the menu?
No, Bowie opens in the evenings only, staying true to its late-night, speakeasy rhythm.How far in advance should I book for a group?
It’s best to reserve at least a week ahead, especially for Thursday to Saturday nights, as space is limited and curated for exclusivity.Do you offer takeout or delivery of the Asian menu?
No takeout or delivery options are listed. The Bowie experience is meant to be felt in person; the ambiance, service, and setting complete the meal.
So, Shall We Make It a Night?
There are restaurants that feed you, and then there are places like Bowie that stay with you.
Bowie’s magic is in its restraint. The flavors don’t shout; they hum. The space doesn’t overwhelm; it wraps around you. Everything about it, from the truffle-slicked dumplings to the private, no-cameras rule, feels like an invitation to slow down and taste life at its most intentional.
If you’ve been searching for authentic Asian food that feels both elevated and personal, this is where you’ll find it.
Hidden in plain sight, waiting for you to knock.
Bowie
457 Sainte-Hélène, Old Montreal